Devotional—Yes, Lord

I am the Lord’s servant; may it happen to me as you have said. Luke 1:38

This was Mary’s response to the angel when she was told she would bear the Son of God. We have recently come through the Easter season, and Jesus’ birth and death have been on my mind. I have thought a lot about Mary’s willingness to follow God into the unknown. What she knew about her culture and how she’d probably be treated would have been enough to cause most people to take a hard pass. Yet, Mary said “yes.”

Almost 23 years ago, I was given the opportunity to be part of a pastoral team. I said “yes.” The challenges I have faced over the years cannot be compared to what Mary endured. Still as a woman, the road has not always been easy. But the hurt pales in comparison to the joy, the excitement, the sense of purpose and meaning my life has had. Having a front row seat to how God has worked, not only in my life but in the lives of others, has expanded my understanding of his nature and grown my faith in ways I didn’t think possible.

If Mary had a do over, I have no doubt she would still have said “yes.” And I would too. Living in the culture of the kingdom of God begins with a “yes.” Then it’s followed by the willingness to go wherever and however God leads. The road will not always be easy, sometimes the unknown is a little scary, but the result will be a life worth living.

Prayer
Lord, help us all have the attitude of Mary, recognizing that we are first your servant. Then give us the willingness to lay down our lives and say “yes” to whatever you ask. Amen.

By Debby Bailey, Pastor
Pikeville, Kentucky, U.S.